2 min read • January 09, 2025
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The NFL's Wild Card Weekend features a classic AFC North showdown as the Baltimore Ravens host the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at M&T Bank Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET, with the game broadcast live on Amazon Prime Video.
The game promises to be a hard-fought battle characteristic of AFC North rivalries. Baltimore will aim to capitalize on its momentum and home-field advantage, while Pittsburgh seeks to overcome recent struggles and pull off an upset. Injuries to key players like Zay Flowers and Mason McCormick could significantly influence the game's dynamics as both teams vie for a spot in the AFC Divisional Round.
Team Standings and Recent Performance
The Ravens enter the playoffs as the No. 3 seed in the AFC, boasting a 12-5 record and riding a four-game winning streak. Their potent offense, led by quarterback Lamar Jackson and running back Derrick Henry, has been instrumental in their success. Notably, Baltimore achieved an unprecedented feat this season by passing for 4,000 yards and rushing for 3,000 yards, underscoring their offensive versatility.
Conversely, the Steelers secured a playoff berth with a 10-7 record but have stumbled into the postseason on a four-game losing streak. Their recent struggles, particularly on offense, have raised concerns as they prepare to face a formidable Ravens defense.
The two rivals met twice this season with the Steelers winning 18-16 at home on November 17, then the Ravens winning 34-17 at home on December 21.
Zay Flowers (WR): OUT - Flowers sustained a knee injury during the Week 18 game against the Cleveland Browns. Head Coach John Harbaugh described his status as day-to-day, indicating that while the injury isn't season-ending, his availability for the upcoming game remains uncertain. As Sports Injury Central we provided the following in game analysis here and expected Flowers would be unlikely to play this week
Justice Hill (RB): Hill missed the regular-season finale due to a concussion and illness. He logged full participation on Wednesday and Thursday and will play Saturday.
Out
WR Roman Wilson (hamstring)
LB Cole Holcomb (knee)
DL Logan Lee (calf)
Questionable:
OG Mason McCormick (hand)
OT Calvin Anderson (groin)
Expected to Play:
CB Donte Jackson (back)
DT Cameron Heyward (illness)
K Chris Boswell (illness)
CB Donte Jackson is set to return after missing previous games due to a back injury. OG Mason McCormick practiced with a brace on his injured hand, and if he cannot play, Spencer Anderson may start in his place. DT Cameron Heyward and K Chris Boswell, both recovering from illnesses, are expected to play.
Lamar Jackson vs. Steelers Defense: Jackson's dual-threat capability poses a significant challenge. Despite another stellar season, he continues to face scrutiny and is determined to overcome past postseason disappointments.
Mark Andrews vs. Steelers Linebackers: With Zay Flowers likely sidelined, tight end Mark Andrews becomes an even more critical target for Jackson. The Steelers' defense, which frequently employs Cover 1, may be vulnerable to attacks through the middle due to subpar linebacker pass coverage.
Steelers' Quarterback Play: Veteran quarterback Russell Wilson is expected to lead the Steelers, but there is speculation that backup quarterback Justin Fields, known for his dual-threat abilities, could see action to provide a spark against the Ravens' defense.
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As of January 10 2025, the Ravens are favored by 9.5 points over the Steelers, reflecting their superior record and recent form. The over-under for the game is set at 44 points.
This matchup marks the fifth playoff meeting between these storied rivals, with the Steelers holding a 3-1 advantage in postseason encounters. However, this will be the first time they meet in the playoffs in Baltimore. Their most recent playoff meeting was in the 2014 AFC Wild Card, where the Ravens defeated the Steelers 30–17.
Mark Andrews Over 45.5 Receiving Yards
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